Corkscrew Willow Plant Care
Salix matsudana Koidz.
Salix babylonica is a species of willow native to dry areas of northern China, Korea, Mongolia, Japan, and Siberia but cultivated for millennia elsewhere in Asia, being traded along the Silk Road to southwest Asia and Europe.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
0–100°F
40–70%
What Is the Corkscrew Willow?
Corkscrew Willow (Salix matsudana) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Salix genus. Corkscrew Willow is native to dry areas of northern China, Korea, Mongolia, Japan, and Siberia. Corkscrew Willow is also known as Dragon Claw Willow, Peking Willow, Chinese Willow.
Corkscrew Willow displays a fast-growing deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 inches tall with a spread of approximately 30 inches. Corkscrew Willow produces catkins in shades of yellow, green, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Corkscrew Willow?
Salix matsudana requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Corkscrew Willow Need?
Corkscrew Willow thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 2000–10000 lux. Avoid placing Corkscrew Willow in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
2000–10000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Corkscrew Willow Prefer?
Salix matsudana grows best at temperatures between 0°F and 100°F. Corkscrew Willow prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
0–100°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Corkscrew Willow?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Corkscrew Willow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Corkscrew Willow?
Transplant young trees every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Corkscrew Willow?
Corkscrew Willow can be propagated through hardwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to weeping willow plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
Is the Corkscrew Willow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Corkscrew Willow?
Corkscrew Willow is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, willow leaf beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Keep exploring plants
Corkscrew Willow is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Salix genus — compare its care with other Salix species on PlantoScan.
Corkscrew Willow tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Salix Species
Other Salix species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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